CGFNS International - global credibility in credentials evaluation

Steps to apply

1. Selecting the appropriate CGFNS service for licensure or immigration

a. About CGFNS services

CGFNS International provides credentials evaluation services that are required for licensure and immigration of health care professionals worldwide seeking to practice in the United States.

The breakdown of health care professionals served by each of our programs is as follows:

The Certification Program is for registered (first-level, general) nurses and includes the CGFNS Qualifying Exam^®;
The Credentials Evaluation Service is for registered (first-level, general) nurses, licensed practical nurses and other health care professionals;
The Credential Verification Service for New York State is for registered (first-level, general) nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, and occupational therapy assistants;
The VisaScreen^®: Visa Credentials Assessment is for registered (first-level, general) nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, clinical laboratory technicians (medical technicians), clinical laboratory scientists (medical laboratory technologists), speech language pathologists, audiologists and licensed practical or vocational nurses to assist in obtaining an occupational visa for immigration to the United States.

b. About ICD services

Another division, the International Consultants of Delaware, performs credentials evaluation services for physical therapists, certified public accountants, massage therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, teachers and realtors who are educated outside the United States and seeking to be licensed in the United States. As a charter member of the NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services), it also performs credentials evaluation services for admission to U.S. universities. Helpful hints for the International Consultants of Delaware can be found at http://www.icdeval.com.

c. U.S. state licensure requirements

Each state has different licensure requirements for registered nurses. Go to http://www.cgfns.org/sections/tools/apps/sbon.shtml and select the state from the drop down menu, then click “Go”. Find the contact details, then call them or write them to ask which CGFNS program or service that state board requires or recognizes: the Certification Program (certificate earned is good for life), the Credentials Evaluation Service, Credential Verification Service for New York State or VisaScreen^® (certificate earned must be renewed every five years).

Then apply! There are two ways. Go to CGFNS Connect (https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp) and apply online or download the appropriate handbook from http://www.cgfns.org/sections/apply/download.shtml , which will have to be mailed to CGFNS after it is completed.

2. The application process

a. Read all the instructions carefully before filling out the application.

b. Each applicant handbook contains a page with a “Checklist for a complete application”

listing documents that are required and actions that you need to take. It can be found using the Table of Contents in the front of the handbook. Applications cannot be processed until all required documents and full payment are received. As soon as possible, REQUEST documentation from schools and licensing authorities (with the exception of the Credentials Verification Service for New York State, where we do the requesting). FREQUENTLY check https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/login.jsp for the status of documents we’ve received to determine what is still needed to complete your application.

c. Avoid delay.

Major reasons for delay:

Incomplete information. An application cannot be processed until all information is collected. It is important to fill out the application entirely and submit all required documents. Please remember to sign your full name where specified.
Payment not submitted. An application cannot be processed until full payment is received.
Photo not submitted. Photos are needed for the CGFNS certificate (for the Certification Program), and the International Commission on Healthcare Professions VisaScreen^® certificate.
Information is inconsistent between documents. Newly submitted documents to CGFNS are compared with previously submitted documents. Inconsistencies will prevent an application from being processed and need to be corrected. Information such as names, birth date, education dates and CGFNS ID number must match on all documents.

d. Include any names you have been known by.

Include all names you have been known by, such as before and after marriage, on all documents submitted to CGFNS to avoid confusion and questions. Include documentation verifying name changes such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and affidavits.

e. Provide dates in the format of month first, day next, year last.

f. Provide entire names of schools.

Do not use abbreviations or initials to avoid confusion.

g. After you receive it, include your CGFNS ID number on every document.

It assists us in filing documents accurately and helps to provide clarity if there is doubt regarding names and dates.

h. Do not falsify documents.

If you find information on any document is incorrect, submit a written explanation of the error, but do not alter the document. When you sign the attestation in the application, you are certifying that the information you have supplied is the truth. Tampering with, or falsification of, any document or information on an application will result in the closure of your CGFNS file indefinitely.

i. Academic records/Transcripts must be supplied directly from schools to CGFNS with the school’s official school stamp or seal.

Emails and faxes are not acceptable. Please note: Requirements differ between programs. Please carefully read the corresponding section of the applicant handbook you are applying for to determine what documentation is needed. If unsure what CGFNS needs, contact our Customer Service for clarification. See the contact details in the sidebar on our Web site https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/processContactUs.do.

j. License/Registration validation must be supplied directly from the licensing authority to CGFNS International.

k. English proficiency exams are requirements for the Certification Program, the VisaScreen^®: Visa Credentials Assessment and the Credentials Evaluation Service in certain states.

English proficiency exam results are only valid for two years from the test date, so please apply for exams early so that you will be rostered the exam of your choice. Please note: Requirements differ between programs. Please carefully read the corresponding section of the applicant handbook you are applying for to determine what documentation is needed. If unsure what CGFNS needs, contact our Customer Service for clarification. See the contact details in the sidebar on our Web site https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/processContactUs.do.

l. Documents need to be submitted to us in English.

Documentation coming directly from schools and licensing authorities need to have the translations enclosed, or, if they are unable to translate the documents, CGFNS will translate it for a fee. If your handbook requires a secondary school certificate, see the “Certificate of Accuracy” in the Education portion of the application instructions in your applicant handbook.

m. Confused about anything? Contact CGFNS Customer Service for clarification. See the contact details in the sidebar on our Web site https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/processContactUs.do